President Donald Trump greets member of the military as he arrives on Air Force One at Wheeler-Sack Army Air Field in Fort Drum, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) ** FILE **
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Trump cancels military parade because of 'ridiculously high' price

President Trump cancelled the military parade on Friday and blamed local D.C. politicians for wanting a price “so ridiculously high.”

The president said he will lower costs by attending a parade at Andrews Air Force Base and Paris’ military parade. The savings could go toward more fighter jets, Mr. Trump said.

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On Thursday, the Pentagon announced the Veterans Day parade was postponed until 2019.

Earlier in the day, CNBC released a report that said the parade could cost $92 million. Initial estimates had the price tag at $12 million. Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis denied that report and said he has not seen the full cost estimate for the event.

“I have not seen an estimate for $92 million,” Mr. Mattis told AP reporters, “Whoever told you that is probably smoking something that’s illegal in my state but not in most states.”

The American Legion called on the president to cancel the parade Thursday night after the exuberant price tag was reported.

“The American Legion appreciates that our President wants to show in a dramatic fashion our nation’s support for our troops,” National Commander of The American Legion Denise Rohan said in a statement. “However, until such time as we can celebrate victory in the War on Terrorism and bring our military home, we think the parade money would be better spent fully funding the Department of Veteran Affairs and giving our troops and their families the best care possible.”